Vocalizations:
1. Screeches: Peregrine falcons emit high-pitched, piercing screeches that serve as a general alarm call. These calls can be heard when a predator is detected, danger is perceived, or intruders approach the nest site.
2. Kekking: Falcons produce rapid, high-pitched "kek-kek-kek" calls during aggressive encounters or when they feel threatened. These calls express alarm, hostility, or defensiveness.
3. Mews: Mews are softer and lower-pitched vocalizations used for communication between mates, parents and offspring, and individuals within a group. They maintain contact, express contentment, or reassure each other.
4. Chicks' Calls: Falcon chicks produce begging calls when hungry or seeking attention from their parents. These calls consist of a series of high-pitched peeps or whistles.
5. Courtship Calls: During courtship displays, peregrines engage in vocal exchanges that involve a variety of calls, including mews, cackles, and whistles. These calls reinforce the pair bond and enhance the mating process.
Body Language:
1. Head Tilt: A falcon may tilt its head to increase its field of vision, focus better on a distant object, or signal curiosity or interest.
2. Wing Displays: Peregrines might engage in wing displays, spreading and fluttering their wings to project a larger size for intimidation purposes or during courtship.
3. Tail Fanning: Falcons may spread and fan their tails while perched to convey agitation or excitement.
4. Preening: Preening behavior, where falcons use their beaks to smooth and arrange their feathers, can serve as a form of self-maintenance, but it may also be a social signal to indicate calmness or a readiness for interaction.
5. Stances and Postures: Peregrines adopt different body postures to communicate emotions and intentions. A falcon standing tall and upright might indicate alertness or readiness to take flight, while a crouched position may indicate preparation to hunt or a defensive posture.
Communication in peregrine falcons plays a vital role in territorial defense, finding mates, raising young, and warning of danger. They rely on a combination of vocal signals and gestures to convey their messages effectively.